We blame Instagram for this one.
There has been an absolutely huge growth in interest in avocados recently.
From guacamole to mashed avocado on toast, you can’t scroll through Instagram without seeing pictures of them.
This obsession, however, has resulted in a global shortage as farmers are unable to keep up with the growing demand.
According to New Zealand Avocado, 90,000 more households in the country are currently buying avocados compared to previous seasons.
Because of the shortage, single avocados now cost between four and six dollars in New Zealand (approximately €2.50 – €3.80), compared to Ireland, where one costs as little as €0.49.
This has lead to a hike in crime across New Zealand, as thieves are now seeing the fruit as a valuable commodity.
There have reportedly been around 40 large-scale orchard robberies in New Zealand since the beginning of this year. Over €2000 worth of crops, or roughly 350 avocados, are being stolen at a time and sold on the black market.
Orchard owners are now implementing security measures such as motion sensors and alarms to protect their valuable crop.
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